How to get from Krabi to Bangkok

The most convenient way to get to Bangkok from Krabi is by bus, but railway types can also make a combined bus+train journey, though it is not the most obvious and fastest way to get to the capital.

From Krabi to Bangkok by bus

Bangkok-bound buses leave from either from Nuea Khlong which lies 15km from Krabi by the Krabi international airport, or from Krabi bus terminal near Talat Kao, about 4km north of Krabi. In Bangkok buses arrive either to Southern bus terminal, Sai Tai Mai, located on Phutthamonthon Sai Road in Thonburi district on the western side of the Chao Phraya River, or to the Northern Bus Terminal, Morchit, which has better public transport connections with the city. There are express and VIP24 buses of Lignite company, which cover the distance between the two cities in about 11 hours and go to Sai Tai Mai. An express bus ticket cost THB 664, while VIP24 is more expensive at THB 970. There is a morning bus at 8am, which is a worthy option for those who want to get off on the route (e.g. in Hua Hin), but to get to Bangkok itself afternoon buses (4.10pm and 5pm) are a much more convenient option. Note that both of them arrive to Bangkok in the small hours, so arrange your lodging in advance, or, if you are connecting further to the north, opt for morning buses.

All buses provide snacks, air-conditioning and blankets and make several pit-stops along the route at large gas stations with convenience stores, cafes and toilets.

Getting from Krabi to Bangkok by train

Though there is no railway line anywhere near Krabi Town, you still can make a combined bus+train journey from Krabi to Bangkok. The Thai southern railway line goes from Bangkok to Suratthani, and the closest railway station to Krabi is the one of Suratthani. It is located in the town of Phun Phin, some 150 km from Krabi Town. To get there, you will need to make a three-to-four hour bus journey, so in most cases this is not an option to consider unless you wish to savour a bit of local life in Suratthani itself. The majority of buses are standard AC ones with prices around THB 180 per person. Book your bus ticket from Krabi to Suratthani here.

Trains from Phun Phin (Suratthani) to Bangkok arrive to Hua Lamphong Station. There is a morning 2nd class AC seats only which is also the fastest one covering the distance between Bangkok and Suratthani in 9 hours (and for THB 858). The rest of the batch are slower (up to 12 hours) and depart in the afternoon and in the evening at 4.40pm, 5.35pm, 6.37pm, 8.35pm, and 9.05pm. Even if slower than buses, trains offer the most comfortable ride, depending on which ticket you book. The top choice is an AC 1st class sleeper (the most convenient of which is #84 and #86 at 9.05pm and 6.37pm (both THB 1589). Second class sleepers are also air-conditioned and provide beds that fold out of your seating upon request or in the evening. These tickets cost from THB 998 to THB 1, 058 and while they may not be as private as 1st class, they are still very comfortable. The fan sleeper carriage works pretty much the same as a normal sleeper but excludes air conditioning and gives you an arguable opportunity to take in countryside smells along the trip. Fan sleepers cost 758 THB per person.

Tip: The lower berths are the first to sell out. Book them as much in advance as possible. They are also considerably wider than the upper ones. If you are travelling with a baby, opt for the lower berths by all means.

Why make a stopover in Suratthani?

Suratthani makes a good base for exploring the nearby areas which are rarely visited by tourist and can give you a taste of real Thailand. Visit Ban Phum Riang fishing village where Muslim women weave wonderful red, yellow and black silk cloths or make a romantic evening cruise along Tapi River, partly overgrown with mangrove forests. There is a monkey training centre 13km from Suratthani in Kanchanadit district; and if you have enough time and arrange your own transport you can go exploring the interior of the vast province. Suratthani is a true gem as far as the street food is concerned; its cuisine showcasing a great variety of Southern dishes and traditional Muslim curries.

From Krabi to Bangkok by plane

More than reasonable prices for air tickets offered by several low-cost carriers on Krabi-Bangkok route make a serious competition to overland travel between the two cities. If you have to choose whether to fly to or from Krabi, go by land from Bangkok to Krabi and fly from Krabi to Bangkok: it is ok to survive a long journey if you have a lazy vacation ahead of you; and spending 12+ hours on a bus seat from Krabi to Bangkok after a relaxing holiday may feel even more tiresome than it actually is. Flying time from Krabi to Bangkok is short – 1½ hour only – and if you are lucky with the weather (you are most likely going to be), then you will have a chance to admire those amazing karst formations Krabi famous for from above.

Thai Lion Air makes four flights a day from Krabi International Airport to Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok. There are two morning flights at 8.40am and 9.30am, one afternoon flight at 1.30pm and one evening flight at 6pm. In low season there are deals under THB1000, which is a real bargain as this price includes 15 kg of checked-in luggage and 7 kg of cabin luggage. Early birds can get the same prices all year through, though when buying your air ticket just a couple of days in advance may set you back THB2500-THB3500.

Krabi International Airport lies 15 km to the northeast of the city centre and about 30 km from Ao Nang. There are air-conditioned airport shuttle buses from both of these locations (THB90 and THB150 respectively) to the airport. There are public songthaews from Krabi Town to the airport (THB50) or your can negotiate a private ride with one of them (THB250). Motorbike taxis ask less (THB150), but are ok only if you do not have much luggage. The trip to the airport takes about 20 minutes from Krabi Town and 40 minutes from Ao Nang.

Note that Krabi airport has two separate terminals – for domestic and international departures. Shopping opportunities are limited, and there is not much in the sense of restaurants and cafes, either: only a couple of coffee-shops and snack booth is all you can rely on.

In Bangkok Lion Air is based in Don Mueang International Airport to the north of the capital. It is connected to the city by airport shuttle buses (routes A1 and A2). A1 terminates at Morchit bus terminal calling en route to Morchit BTS. A2 heads to Morchit BTS first and then proceeds to Saphan Kwai BTS, Ari BTS, Sanam Pao BTS and finally reaches the Victory Monument (THB30). Travel time depends on traffic and is from 60 to 80 minutes. There are commuter trains between Don Mueang airport and Hua Lamphong train station, too. Trains take about 50 minutes to get from the railway station to the airport and are always a secure bet. Operating time is from 3.10am till 10.15pm.

How to get from Krabi to Bangkok

The most convenient way to get to Bangkok from Krabi is by bus, but railway types can also make a combined bus+train journey, though it is not the most obvious and fastest way to get to the capital.

From Krabi to Bangkok by bus

Bangkok-bound buses leave from either from Nuea Khlong which lies 15km from Krabi by the Krabi international airport, or from Krabi bus terminal near Talat Kao, about 4km north of Krabi. In Bangkok buses arrive either to Southern bus terminal, Sai Tai Mai, located on Phutthamonthon Sai Road in Thonburi district on the western side of the Chao Phraya River, or to the Northern Bus Terminal, Morchit, which has better public transport connections with the city. There are express and VIP24 buses of Lignite company, which cover the distance between the two cities in about 11 hours and go to Sai Tai Mai. An express bus ticket cost THB 664, while VIP24 is more expensive at THB 970. There is a morning bus at 8am, which is a worthy option for those who want to get off on the route (e.g. in Hua Hin), but to get to Bangkok itself afternoon buses (4.10pm and 5pm) are a much more convenient option. Note that both of them arrive to Bangkok in the small hours, so arrange your lodging in advance, or, if you are connecting further to the north, opt for morning buses.

All buses provide snacks, air-conditioning and blankets and make several pit-stops along the route at large gas stations with convenience stores, cafes and toilets.

Getting from Krabi to Bangkok by train

Though there is no railway line anywhere near Krabi Town, you still can make a combined bus+train journey from Krabi to Bangkok. The Thai southern railway line goes from Bangkok to Suratthani, and the closest railway station to Krabi is the one of Suratthani. It is located in the town of Phun Phin, some 150 km from Krabi Town. To get there, you will need to make a three-to-four hour bus journey, so in most cases this is not an option to consider unless you wish to savour a bit of local life in Suratthani itself. The majority of buses are standard AC ones with prices around THB 180 per person. Book your bus ticket from Krabi to Suratthani here.

Trains from Phun Phin (Suratthani) to Bangkok arrive to Hua Lamphong Station. There is a morning 2nd class AC seats only which is also the fastest one covering the distance between Bangkok and Suratthani in 9 hours (and for THB 858). The rest of the batch are slower (up to 12 hours) and depart in the afternoon and in the evening at 4.40pm, 5.35pm, 6.37pm, 8.35pm, and 9.05pm. Even if slower than buses, trains offer the most comfortable ride, depending on which ticket you book. The top choice is an AC 1st class sleeper (the most convenient of which is #84 and #86 at 9.05pm and 6.37pm (both THB 1589). Second class sleepers are also air-conditioned and provide beds that fold out of your seating upon request or in the evening. These tickets cost from THB 998 to THB 1, 058 and while they may not be as private as 1st class, they are still very comfortable. The fan sleeper carriage works pretty much the same as a normal sleeper but excludes air conditioning and gives you an arguable opportunity to take in countryside smells along the trip. Fan sleepers cost 758 THB per person.

Tip: The lower berths are the first to sell out. Book them as much in advance as possible. They are also considerably wider than the upper ones. If you are travelling with a baby, opt for the lower berths by all means.

Why make a stopover in Suratthani?

Suratthani makes a good base for exploring the nearby areas which are rarely visited by tourist and can give you a taste of real Thailand. Visit Ban Phum Riang fishing village where Muslim women weave wonderful red, yellow and black silk cloths or make a romantic evening cruise along Tapi River, partly overgrown with mangrove forests. There is a monkey training centre 13km from Suratthani in Kanchanadit district; and if you have enough time and arrange your own transport you can go exploring the interior of the vast province. Suratthani is a true gem as far as the street food is concerned; its cuisine showcasing a great variety of Southern dishes and traditional Muslim curries.

From Krabi to Bangkok by plane

More than reasonable prices for air tickets offered by several low-cost carriers on Krabi-Bangkok route make a serious competition to overland travel between the two cities. If you have to choose whether to fly to or from Krabi, go by land from Bangkok to Krabi and fly from Krabi to Bangkok: it is ok to survive a long journey if you have a lazy vacation ahead of you; and spending 12+ hours on a bus seat from Krabi to Bangkok after a relaxing holiday may feel even more tiresome than it actually is. Flying time from Krabi to Bangkok is short – 1½ hour only – and if you are lucky with the weather (you are most likely going to be), then you will have a chance to admire those amazing karst formations Krabi famous for from above.

Thai Lion Air makes four flights a day from Krabi International Airport to Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok. There are two morning flights at 8.40am and 9.30am, one afternoon flight at 1.30pm and one evening flight at 6pm. In low season there are deals under THB1000, which is a real bargain as this price includes 15 kg of checked-in luggage and 7 kg of cabin luggage. Early birds can get the same prices all year through, though when buying your air ticket just a couple of days in advance may set you back THB2500-THB3500.

Krabi International Airport lies 15 km to the northeast of the city centre and about 30 km from Ao Nang. There are air-conditioned airport shuttle buses from both of these locations (THB90 and THB150 respectively) to the airport. There are public songthaews from Krabi Town to the airport (THB50) or your can negotiate a private ride with one of them (THB250). Motorbike taxis ask less (THB150), but are ok only if you do not have much luggage. The trip to the airport takes about 20 minutes from Krabi Town and 40 minutes from Ao Nang.

Note that Krabi airport has two separate terminals – for domestic and international departures. Shopping opportunities are limited, and there is not much in the sense of restaurants and cafes, either: only a couple of coffee-shops and snack booth is all you can rely on.

In Bangkok Lion Air is based in Don Mueang International Airport to the north of the capital. It is connected to the city by airport shuttle buses (routes A1 and A2). A1 terminates at Morchit bus terminal calling en route to Morchit BTS. A2 heads to Morchit BTS first and then proceeds to Saphan Kwai BTS, Ari BTS, Sanam Pao BTS and finally reaches the Victory Monument (THB30). Travel time depends on traffic and is from 60 to 80 minutes. There are commuter trains between Don Mueang airport and Hua Lamphong train station, too. Trains take about 50 minutes to get from the railway station to the airport and are always a secure bet. Operating time is from 3.10am till 10.15pm.

Passenger reviews out of total 11,544 passengers who traveled with us on this route.

At 12Go our operators offer three types of service:

Cheap, Fast, Good - but you can usually pick only two of them!Cheap & Fast won’t be Good. (e.g. buses from/to Khao San Road, local buses or 3rd class trains)Cheap & Good won’t be Fast. (e.g. VIP trains in Thailand)Fast & Good won’t be Cheap. (e.g. private limousine services, or VIP24 buses vs Express buses)

Make your choice! Please remember that while we are closely monitoring the services, we are still an agency marketplace. That means we focus on ticketing services and route availability & coverage rather than on the factual seat reclining angle you will get on the bus today.

PhilippMar 18, 2018

bus VIP24, Lignite

★★★★☆

Almost no English communication, bus in good condition but really cold, arrived on time.

AlexandraMar 17, 2018

bus VIP24, Lignite

★★★★☆

Super comfortable seats, but Temperature drops very low as the hours pass..

VictorMar 9, 2018

avia Economy, Thai Lion Air

★★★★☆

It was a quite ok standard flight. Just not much information at Krabi airport gate but the ground assistants were very helpful and patient.

IgorMar 5, 2018

bus VIP24, Lignite

★★☆☆☆

The complimentary food hadn't a vegetarian option, so I just starved all night.

Hopefully this info will prevent our incident happening to future travellers. We were dropped just one block from the Phantip office on the main road in Surat Thani this afternoon. However, we didn’t know we were so close and on collecting our bags a random guy was trying to get us to pay for a taxi to the train station. We declined and walked in the direction the bus was going. Thankfully there was a very kind and helpful member of your team who had our print out ticket and directed us to the phantip office to wait for the bus to the train station.
The bus from to the train station was very nice and air conditioned and for this I am grateful as the bus from Krabi was run down with broken seats and no air con.
Thank you for your time and I hope future stops that are very close, but not at the bus station can be prevented as this was unnecessarily confusing.
The connecting bus from Surat Thani town to the train station leaves at 5pm - this should also be more explicit on the ticket...thankfully it left Krabi on time.

KarenFeb 20, 2018

bus Standard AC, Phantip 1970

★★★★★

The bus left on time which was great and since the bus was 1/2 empty I got a full two seats to myself. The air conditioning was on full blast for the full ride although at one point it wasn’t working as strongly as it should have but they got it working great again. When we got to Surat Thani I was expecting to have to walk like the instructions said but I was dropped off at the offices and then had to wait for the next bus to the Train station so I arrived closer to 6 than 5. Overall it was a great trip that I would do again. And if you read the instructions you are given everything will be great.

SimoneFeb 20, 2018

bus VIP24, Lignite

★★★★☆

VIP coach with TV and various amenities, including a massage chair and plenty of legroom. On time, various snacks and dinner served in a bus station. Driver with quiet driving. Recommended for a long journey.

PeterFeb 20, 2018

bus VIP24, Lignite

★★★★★

Good service, comfy and safe ride. Would do it again

PatrickFeb 19, 2018

bus Standard AC, Phantip 1970

★★★★☆

Comfortable air conditioned bus. Well organised office at Surat thani, However, I had booked on the 10:00 bus which didn't exist, we had to wait for the 11:30 departure

NguyenFeb 19, 2018

bus VIP24, Lignite

★★★★☆

Comfortable seat and nice staff

DianeFeb 15, 2018

avia Economy, Thai Lion Air

★★★☆☆

Flight was over an hour delayed getting off the ground as the runway was unavailable? Have been waiting 40 minutes for bags and nothing yet...

StefanFeb 13, 2018

bus Standard AC, Phantip 1970

★★★☆☆

The aircondition didn't work . A lot of Stops

IreneFeb 13, 2018

bus VIP24, Lignite

★★★★☆

Super luxurious bus, super sweet ladyboy hostess, good thai food on stop and good entertainment via individual screen. Even toilet was ok for a bus :). I missed the wifi service though - and it was way to cold!

Bus was on time (we’ve had 3 trips through 12go Asia so far and they’ve all been great) you just have to know where you’re going - catching these buses sometimes feels like The Amazing Race but we’re on track the ride was awesome. The first bus trip we did we got a free lunch in the most comfortable bus (from Bangkok to Chumphon) I guess it can be luck of the draw but when you travel, as long as you get to where you want to be then then one can make allowances for the journey there :)

RomanJan 26, 2018

avia Economy, Bangkok Air

★★★★★

Pohodlný klidný let. Příjemný personál.

JeanJan 25, 2018

bus VIP24, Lignite

★★★★☆

The bus is very good, really spacious! What can be better: Close all the doors, because the noise disturbed us during all the night knocking. The assistant should explain in English the stop time.

Bus was good and plenty of leg room. A bit old and used but still fine. Driver did well and got us to bangkok earlier than scheduled. We got snack and drinks. It was a little bit cold inside but we were prepared. I slept almost the entire journey.

FlaviaJan 10, 2018

bus Standard AC, Phantip 1970

★★★★★

Como cheguei cedo, anteciparam a minha viagem. Foi muito bom.

MartineJan 9, 2018

avia Economy, Thai AirAsia

★★★☆☆

We had a delayed airplain and no place to sit so we had to wait on the floor. But the flight was good and we had our bags pretty fast.

TiagoJan 7, 2018

bus Express, Lignite

★★★★☆

Water and biscuits provided, busses in slightly better conditions than some of the competitors.

DebbieJan 7, 2018

bus VIP24, Lignite

★★★☆☆

Seats very comfortable but air conditioning too cold. We even closed the vents but the cold air still blew throygh. Next time i wear warm er clothing

Staff was kind, bus was nice and cool. Only made one stop for a 13 hour trip, not sure if that's normal or not

MaudDec 29, 2017

bus VIP24, Lignite

★★★★☆

Our VIP bus was really confortable. He left with 30min late but arrived in time.
Even if at the beginning they give you (for free), water, soda and snacks, the bus stoped during 20min around 1 or 2hours before we left to offer to everyone to eat.
We read a lot of comments on internet about stolen stuff, but this bus was really secure, do not worry.
The only « bad » thing is the AC, really TOO cold. Even if they give you a blanket, you should put on your bag some hot clothes :)

WayneDec 29, 2017

avia Economy, Thai Lion Air

★★★★★

The flight was great. Even landed earlier than expected!

PavolDec 29, 2017

avia Economy, Nok Air

★★★★☆

Everything was perfect except for boarding - delay 1/2h. Out of that, outstanding service on board!

LucyDec 22, 2017

bus Standard AC, Phantip 1970

★★★★★

Bus was fast and efficient. We were able to get an earlier bus than we had booked which was very helpful

JeanineDec 22, 2017

avia Economy, Thai Lion Air

★★★★★

Quick and easy

AldonaDec 20, 2017

avia Economy, Bangkok Air

★★★★★

Very supportive for their clients in case of problems with e-ticket (better customer service than kiwi.com). I've recommended 12go.asia to my family and friends and will use it when I'm in Asia again

YutaDec 12, 2017

avia Economy, Thai Lion Air

★★★★★

so cheap! good company

MartinDec 12, 2017

avia Economy, Thai Lion Air

★★★★☆

satisfaction, everything on time on this flight from Krabi to Bangkok

DzintarsDec 11, 2017

bus Standard AC, Phantip 1970

★★★★☆

Great experience, very kind, helpful and professional staff!

PiotrDec 10, 2017

bus Standard AC, Phantip 1970

★★★★☆

All was ok :)

ThomasDec 8, 2017

bus VIP24, Lignite

★★★☆☆

Vip bus has comfortable seats, but the bus makes too many random stops, especially at the beginning of the journey. The free meal and snacks are not tasty.

ValentinaNov 30, 2017

bus VIP24, Lignite

★★★★☆

Comfortable seats (better than other Vip Buses) lot of space next and in front of you,
tv, aircon, they will give you water,coke, milk and biscuits.
Driver ok!

PhilipNov 30, 2017

bus VIP24, Lignite

★★★★☆

Bus was good and plenty of leg room and good food at stop on the way. Just a little old and used but still fine. Driver did well and got us to bangkok dispite the flooding.

GinnyNov 26, 2017

avia Economy, Thai Lion Air

★★★★☆

We were seated at the emergency exit and there was more than enough space. The seats were a little sat trough. Organisation was good and right on time.

KristianNov 25, 2017

bus Express, Lignite

★★★★☆

Great trip but the driver was a bit crazy on the road

ElisabethNov 21, 2017

avia Economy, Thai AirAsia

★★★★★

Great flight! We landed sooner than expected, so that’s a bonus :)

LisaNov 19, 2017

bus VIP24, Lignite

★★★★☆

Seats are very comfortable, can recline far back and still leaving leg room for the person behind you. Legs can go up, there was even a massage button for the chair! TVs on every seat, downfall is it was all in Thai and no English. Snacks were given, as well as multiple drinks and we even stopped for a served dinner. A lot of language barriers which was expected.

RobertNov 17, 2017

avia Economy, Thai AirAsia

★★★★★

it's ok. very fast connect

KellyNov 14, 2017

avia Economy, Thai Lion Air

★★★★★

We had a wonderful time traveling through Thailand. 12go was very helpful and kept us updated on all changes. Also when we wanted to make changes they were also very helpful.

MagaliNov 6, 2017

bus VIP24, Lignite

★★★☆☆

Buses very comfortable, with blankets and snack. Only 3 stars because the meal stop for dinner was not very good and oly 15min to eat, go to bathroom and shop

TamaraNov 6, 2017

avia Economy, Thai Lion Air

★★☆☆☆

The flight departured 7:40 not as booked 8:40. we were bot informed about the change and barely cought the flight

RobertNov 4, 2017

bus VIP24, Lignite

★★★☆☆

Vip bus was old,no the cleanest. Wc too. Another vip bus with free wifi,this havent.
Free snack ,cola and.water and.milk. staff good.
Drivers can be drive little safest,but here is normal.
Next time I will fly.

OliverOct 27, 2017

avia Economy, Bangkok Air

★★★★★

Excellent:)

KeryllOct 8, 2017

avia Economy, Thai Lion Air

★★★★☆

12go was easy to use as a booking cite. The flight was good. The seats don't have much leg space.

JamesOct 6, 2017

avia Economy, Thai Lion Air

★★★★★

Great flight with lovely staff and good that checked in luggage included. Very good value.

BernardSep 25, 2017

avia Economy, Thai Lion Air

★★★★☆

Trip was OK no particular remarks on this flight from Krabi to Bangkok

SylviaSep 2, 2017

bus VIP24, Lignite

★★★★☆

Seats were spacious, toilet quite ok for a coach, bus was in time, even a bit early.
Unfortunately no vegetarian dish for dinner at 10pm, mainly pork and some fish, too spicy for my children.

LeeAug 24, 2017

avia Economy, Thai Lion Air

★★☆☆☆

To b honest I find the ground crew of ThaiLion rude and disinterested. Flight crew were ok-certainly not stand out tho.

JuliaAug 19, 2017

avia Economy, Thai AirAsia

★★★★☆

Efficient airport. Nice staff. well organized. The flight was OK and on time.

Very good experience. Well maintained, clean bus. Pleasant and helpful hostess. Complementary snacks and Meal. Timely departure and arrival.

WijnandJun 25, 2017

bus VIP24, Lignite

★★★★★

Our 2nd trip with Lignite. Excellent again.
Very comfortable seats. Only 3 chairs in a total row - 2 seats right / 1 on the left.
Chairs recline to 270 degrees with huge legroom.
Hostess on board with free snack, water and cola.
Also included a 20 minute stop-over with free Thai food.
Departure and arrival exactly on time.
No TV on - No loud music. You can watch movies on private screen with headphone.
In the bus only silence. :)
Recommended !